Natalie Joos lives a fashionable double life

Interviews

Natalie Joos lives a fashionable double life

24 th May 2012

Natalie Joos is Belgian-born, New York-based and constantly travels as a special guest at fashion weeks all over the world. She’s a successful model casting agent in the industry but it’s her blog, Tales of Endearment, and her playful sense of style that have young, savvy designers clamouring to dress her.

Here she reveals how she juggles her life behind and in front of the camera; plus, which Australian designers caught her attention at fashion week.

What do you think of the models you saw at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia? To be entirely honest, I thought I would be more impressed. So many cool girls have been coming out of Australia lately so I thought it would just be runway after runway of superstars. I was a little let down when I saw some of them wobbling on their heels but it made the good girls like Montana [Cox], Rose [Smith] and Nicole [Pollard] stand out even more!

What do you think of Australian designers? That's another story – I saw some amazing work! My absolute favourite collection was Josh Goot. I cannot begin to tell you how much I gushed when I was in the showroom. Mind-bogglingly gorgeous. Zimmermann was refreshing – I love a ruffle on a bathing suit. The guys from Lover did some great pieces, like this transparent laser-cut mini dress I ordered. And I loved all the cuteness at Alice McCall.

Being an experienced casting agent, how do you know a model is right for a particular job? When he or she can bring something to the table that no other model could. They have to emulate the very essence of the brand or concept of the shoot. And enhance the image. Sometimes there's an instant click where you go: yes, she's the one. Other times it pays to take a different perspective.

What’s it like being a favourite of so many street style photographers? It's all very interesting and fun. I love those guys – they're all wonderful and talented. I can't say my street style status has changed my career as a casting agent but it’s certainly aided in developing a certain image that goes hand in hand with my blog. As a casting agent I’m behind the scenes, but the "other" Natalie – I always joke there's two of me – is in front of the camera. And that gives for a much broader and even more creative work field. Unfortunately there are only so many hours in the day for each Natalie – it can be exhausting and overwhelming at times.

How would you describe your personal style? My style is fun, sexy, cute (now slightly more feminine) and colourful. I like to mix and match and put together unusual combinations. I don't adhere to any trends. I love dresses and heels.

What are your plans for the rest of the year? I am on my way to Jamaica this week. Believe it or not, they also have Fashion Week there! It's the second time I'm going and I'm really looking forward to the sun and beach. My sister is going too. We're planning to write a report for V magazine. So stay tuned!

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